While granola and muesli share many similarities, the two are not interchangeable. They have differing origins, preparation methods, ingredients and nutritional profiles. However, both of these breakfast cereals are quite delicious. Just top with milk or yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.
History
Dr. Bircher-Benner, a Swiss nutritionist, developed muesli toward the end of the nineteenth century. Granola, on the other hand, was developed in the United States in 1894 by Dr. James Caleb Jackson at the Jackson Sanitarium in New York.
Ingredients
Both granola and muesli contain a mixture of grains (such as oats), nuts, dried fruit and sometimes bran and wheat germ. Muesli may contain sugar and dried-milk solids, but it can be unsweetened. Granola is typically toasted with honey and oil, resulting in a crisp texture and sweet glaze not found in muesli.
Nutritional Profile
Because granola contains the addition of honey and oil, it tends to have a higher sugar and fat content. As a result, granola is, on average, higher in calories than muesli.
Benefits
Both granola and muesli offer nutritional benefits. Both have fiber from the grains, fruits and nuts. In addition, the dried fruits provide antioxidants, while the nuts offer healthy fats. Topping either muesli or granola with low-fat milk, soy milk or yogurt makes for a nutritionally balanced, filling breakfast.
Misconceptions
Most people do not realize that muesli and granola are fairly easy to make at home. Making homemade muesli or granola allows you to choose your favorite ingredients and avoid those you do not care for. Homemade muesli is particularly simple since you only toss together the desired ingredients. While granola requires toasting, making it at home allows you to limit the amount of sugar and oil added, thus creating a healthier granola.
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